Local & Community
COVID-19 Cases On The Rise Again in Riverside County
After a steady October, COVID-19 cases are starting to rise again in California. But the Inland Empire, and especially Riverside County, have some of the highest increases in all of Southern California.
“We’ve seen about a 20% increase in COVID cases during the past couple weeks,” said Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Public Health Officer Riverside County. “Really it’s happened during the past 2 weeks where we’ve seen a gentle increase in the number of new cases, hospitalizations each day.”
This slight increase doesn’t come as a surprise to health officials.
“With the coming winter months and people spending more time indoors as it gets colder and with the holidays upon us, we were expecting a potential increase in the cases,” said Dr. Leung. “It’s not alarming, but it’s a reminder that we need to continue with our precautions such as masking and social distancing.”
As for the Coachella Valley, local health officials say our numbers remain constant, thanks to high vaccination rates among most locals.
“We haven’t seen a sudden uptick, we’ve been at the steady state level,” said Dr. Euthym Kontaxis, Medical Director of Eisenhower Health’s Tennity Emergency Department. “Our valley has been very aggressive at vaccination.”
Despite COVID numbers being consistent in the valley, they say it’s important not to let our guards down, especially as we enter the holiday season.
“We are still seeing nearly 2,000 to 3,000 new cases each week in Riverside County,” said Dr. Leung. “Although things are much better than they were in January, given the slight increase that we’ve seen, I think this is a reminder to all that we’re still living in a pandemic.”
Public officials continue to urge people to get vaccinated for the first time, and get their boosters if they qualify.
“The best prevention is vaccination,” said Dr. Leung.
“Make sure that you’re vaccinated. I can’t emphasize that enough because the proof is in the pudding,” said Dr. Kontaxis.
By: NBC Palm Springs
November 10, 2021
Latest Instagram Posts
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT Days” to “Pride Days”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball